Here we provide a Student Residence complete guide 2024.
Spain is a premier destination for international students seeking to commence or advance their education.
This reputation is underpinned by the nation’s expansive network of prestigious universities and educational institutions, complemented by a diverse array of academic programs tailored to varying fields of study. To study in Spain, all non-resident students are required to secure the appropriate Student Residence Authorization to legally pursue their education within Spainish territory.
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In this post we cover the following: (click any section to see its content)
Student Residence complete guide 2024:
- REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT RESIDENCE »
- FINANCIAL MEANS REQUIREMENTS 2024 »
- DOCUMENTS FOR STUDENT RESIDENCE APPLICATION »
- WHERE TO SUBMIT THE STUDENT RESIDENCE APPLICATION »
- WHO SHOULD SUBMIT THE STUDENT RESIDENCE APPLICATION »
- HOW TO SUBMIT THE STUDENT RESIDENCE APPLICATION »
- FAMILY REUNIFICATION FOR STUDENTS »
- CAN I WORK WITH A STUDENT CARD? »
- WORK AS AN EMPLOYEE »
- WORK AS SELF-EMPLOYED »
- GET ADVICE ON THESE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS »
- ALL TYPES OF RESIDENCY AVAILABLE IN SPAIN »
- SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A SOLICITOR »
REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT RESIDENCE:
- Eligibility: The applicant must not be a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, nor a family member of such citizens to whom EU citizen rights apply.
- Admissibility: The applicant must not be prohibited from entering Spain or listed as inadmissible in any countries with which Spain has agreements.
- Financial Means: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses and return travel, as well as expenses for any accompanying family members:
- For the applicant: Bank balance which demonstrates the equivalent of €600 per month. If accommodation is prepaid, €300 per month.
- For family members: Bank balance which demonstrates the equivalent of €450 per month for the first family member and €300 per month for each additional family member, unless prepaid accommodation is demonstrated.
- Health Insurance: Applicants must have public or private health insurance from a provider authorized to operate in Spain.
- Minors: If the student is underage, written consent from their parents or legal guardians must be provided, specifying the institution, organization, or responsible entity, and the planned duration of the stay.
- Admission: The applicant must be accepted by an accredited Spanish educational institution for a full-time program leading to a degree or certificate.
For stays exceeding six months:
– Adults must not have a criminal record in Spain or in any previous countries of residence over the last five years for offenses recognized under Spanish law.
– Applicants must not suffer from illnesses that pose significant public health risks, as per the International Health Regulations (2005).
FINANCIAL MEANS REQUIREMENTS 2024:
Many students come to Spain for university programs, which typically last four years. Some immigration offices, such as the one in Madrid, now issue Student Residence Authorizations valid for the entire four-year period.
Advantages:
- Eliminates the need for annual renewal of student permits.
Challenges:
- Applicants must demonstrate enough money for the entire four years upfront, equating to almost €30,000. This requirement is difficult for many students to meet.
DOCUMENTS FOR STUDENT RESIDENCE APPLICATION:
To apply for a Student Residence Authorization, the following documents are required:
- Visa Application Form: The official national visa application form, completed and signed in duplicate by the applicant or their legal representative (for minors). This form is used for applications submitted at a Spanish consulate. If applying within Spain, use Form EX-00.
- Passport: A valid passport or travel document recognized in Spain, with a validity period covering the intended stay.
- Proof of Financial Means: Documentation proving sufficient resources for the intended stay and return travel.
- Parental Authorization (for Minors): Written consent from parents or guardians specifying the institution, organization, or responsible entity, and the planned duration of the stay.
- Health Insurance: Proof of public or private health insurance.
- Admission Letter: Documentation confirming acceptance by an accredited Spanish educational institution.
For stays exceeding six months:
– Medical Certificate: Proof of absence of serious illnesses posing public health risks.
– Criminal Record Certificate: For adults, a certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant’s home country or countries of residence over the last five years.
Important Notes:
- All documents processed outside Spain must be properly apostilled or legalized.
- Documents not in Spanish must be translated by a certified translator authorized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation.
WHERE TO SUBMIT THE STUDENT RESIDENCE APPLICATION:
Where to Submit the Student Residence Application
The submission process depends on your location:
- If outside Spain: Submit your application at the Spanish Consulate corresponding to your place of residence, or click-here »
- If in Spain: Submit your application to the Foreigners Office in your city, or click-here »
You already know that the option to submit your application in Spain has been available for several years. In this case, it is very important that you are legally in Spain, either through a long-term visa, a valid authorization, or within your legal tourist period, for example. It is also important to note that there is a specific time frame to submit your application for a Stay for Studies.
How long do I have to apply for a Stay for Studies in Spain?
You must submit your application when you have at least 30 days of legal stay remaining.
WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR A VISA TO STUDY IN SPAIN?:
The application for this authorization must be submitted personally by the foreign student. If the student is a minor, their parents, guardians, or duly accredited representatives must submit the application personally.
You can also submit the application through a lawyer, administrative manager, or labor consultant (online).
HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR A STUDENT VISA IN SPAIN?:
- Application from outside Spain
In this case, it is necessary to schedule an appointment at the corresponding Spanish Consulate to submit your Stay for Studies application.
The maximum time to notify the decision is one month from the day after the application is submitted at the competent consular office. If no response is given within this period, the application is considered rejected due to administrative silence.
If the visa is granted, it must be collected within two months of notification. Failure to do so will be considered a withdrawal of the visa, and the procedure will be closed.
Once you are in Spain and if your Stay for Studies Authorization is for a duration of more than six months, you must obtain your physical card at the corresponding Police Station.
- Application from within Spain
Until recently, it was necessary to visit the Immigration Office in person, schedule an appointment, and deliver the documents at the scheduled time and date.
With the advent of COVID-19, an alternative online application method was established.
Today, it is possible to apply for a Stay for Studies Authorization online.
Once the application is submitted a receipt will be generated.
Once the Immigration Office receives your application, they have a legal period of 3 months to process and respond. If no response is received within this period, the application is considered rejected due to administrative silence.
FAMILY REUNIFICATION FOR THE STUDENT’S RELATIVES:
The student’s relatives can come to live in Spain. They must apply for the corresponding visa in their place of residence.
Relatives eligible for this visa include:
- Spouse
- Registered or civil-partner
- Children under the age of 18 or children with disabilities who are not capable of supporting themselves due to health conditions
The visa application can be submitted by the family member, either along with the student’s visa application or later.
To grant this visa, it must be shown that the student has sufficient financial means to support the family, as well as proof of family or marital ties, and, for children over 18, documentation proving their inability to support themselves.
The family members’ authorization will be linked to the student’s authorization, and they will be allowed to stay in Spain for the same period under the same conditions.
If the family members’ stay exceeds six months, they must obtain a foreigner’s identity card.
Student family members cannot obtain authorization to engage in any profit-making activities.
CAN I WORK WITH A STUDENT CARD?:
Once in Spain, the student can undertake both employment or self-employment. However, this work or activity must not negatively affect their studies or provide the main financial means for living in Spain.
It is important to remember that the primary authorization in Spain is the Stay for Studies, not a work authorization.
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION FOR WORK AS EMPLOYEE:
Necessary Requirements:
- Work activities must be compatible with the student’s studies.
- Income obtained from work must not be essential for the student’s living or stay and will not be considered for extending the stay authorization.
- The foreign student must have the necessary qualifications or professional skills legally required for the job.
- The employing company must be registered with Social Security, up to date with tax obligations, and able to provide sufficient economic, material, or personal resources to fulfill the contractual obligations.
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION FOR WORK AS SELF-EMPLOYED):
Requirements:
- The activity must not interfere with the student’s studies.
- Any income earned must not serve as essential resources for the student’s support.
- The work must be part-time or, if full-time, should not exceed three months and must not coincide with study periods.
- The student must meet the requirements established by law for starting and running the activity.
Documentation Needed for Self-Employment Authorization
- Completed application forms.
- Full passport or travel document.
- Evidence of qualifications or professional skills.
- Documents proving that the business or activity is viable.
GET ADVICE:
As with any legal process, it’s best to consult with an immigration specialist before starting, as this will ensure your application is accurate and complete.
Please click-here » to contact us today.
ALL TYPES OF RESIDENCY AVAILABLE IN SPAIN:
- Golden-Visa Spain (residence in Spain by investment)
- Non-Lucrative visa Spain (Spanish visa non lucrative)
- Self-Employed visa Spain (self employed expats in Spain)
- Digital-Nomad visa Spain (remote worker in Spain)
Please see-here our video-blog with options and legal-advice to obtain residency in Spain.
Remember that immigration procedures and immigration regulations change regularly, so it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest information from reliable sources. If you have specific questions or concerns about your situation, it’s advisable to consult with immigration authorities or legal professionals specializing in immigration matters, to do this, please click-here »
DO YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE TO APPLY FOR RESIDENCE OR CITIZENSHIP IN SPAIN?
We are a Spanish Solicitor and assist our clients with all types Spanish legal processes.
Permanent residency is obtained after 5 years of Spanish Residency through Self-Employed Residency, Digital-Nomad, Non-Lucrative Residency or Golden-Visa. This followed by 5 years as a permanent resident in Spain and means you can then obtain Spanish Citizenship with a Spanish Passport.
